5 Wide Receivers That Look to Break Out in 2009

Every year we see some potential future stars break out and some receivers really turn the corner in their development. The Arizona Cardinals watched Steve Breaston break out last year and compile 77 receptions on the year, a 69 catch improvement over the previous season. While a lot of factors lead to Breaston's accomplishment, he was a talented player just stuck behind some other players on the depth chart. Here are some of the receivers that look poised to make the same leap, or maybe even a bigger one, into legitimate star wide receivers.

Josh Morgan from the San Francisco 49ers has all the tools to become a household name. He had a very good pre season camp but injuries and health concerns really held him back. Morgan was unable to come into his and even missed four games last season. While many feel that the addition of Michael Crabtree will mean that Morgan will receive the ball less, it will actually leave him open more often. As defensive coverage focuses on Crabtree, Morgan will have far more opportunities to break free and get open down field for the big plays.

Mark Bradley of the Kansas City Chiefs will look to benefit directly from the addition and subtraction of some players on the roster. The addition of Matt Cassell should improve the passing game and numbers for everyone on the offensive side of the ball. Also, the subtraction of tight end Tony Gonzalez will ensure that more players are drawn up involving the receivers. Defenses will be planning a lot of their strategy around Dwayne Bowe, so it will also leave Bradley the opportunity to get open while Bowe is caught up in double coverage.

Not many people have heard the name Jason Avant but he is already a popular player in the Philadelphia Eagles organization. A few Eagles staff are calling him the best slot receiver there is in the entire league. A lot of defensive attention will be directed at DeSean Jackson and rookie Jeremy Maclin, so Avant will get plenty of opportunities to sneak out into the open. He should continue to improve his totals steadily, as he has done the past three years. Avant had 7 catches three years ago, 23 catches two years ago and then 32 receptions last year. Look for at least 60 receptions out of the dangerous playmaker this year.

Chansi Stuckey looks to make a big leap into league relevancy, simply based on the lack of receivers brought in by the New York Jets in the off-season. The team lost star receiver Laveranues Coles and did not bring in anyone to replace him. Stuckey was able to haul in 32 catches last year, but he is expected to lead the team this year and how he is getting his chance to truly show what he can bring to the table.

Another slot receiver that could have a huge season is Harry Douglas from the Atlanta Falcons. Douglas did not receive a single start last year but did manage 23 receptions for a total of 320 yards. As young QB Matt Ryan continues to develop, Douglas will be used as a viable look off option. He will not have a lot of plays designed directly for him, but will receive a lot of looks as the third option on short and long pass situations.